Drug Industry Boosts Consumer Marketing Rules

Law360, New York (December 11, 2008, 12:00 AM EST) -- Under pressure from lawmakers and consumer groups, the top lobbying group for the drug industry said Wednesday it has adopted measures to increase transparency in direct-to-consumer advertising, which has come under the spotlight in recent months for the use of suggestive tactics to sell prescription medicines.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said the revised rules — which address aspects such as the use of celebrities in commercials and the presentation of balanced benefit and risk information — were part of an ongoing effort to...